PHX Reporter

Abe Hamadeh, who is running to represent the 8th legislative district of Arizona, shows solidarity with Jewish students at Arizona State University (ASU) following a recent incident between supporters of Israel and Palestine.

"Heartbreaking. Jews are under attack on their own campuses. How can we expect students to learn when they are in constant fear of their safety by RADICALS? ASU needs to aggressively go after the perpetrators and set an example. Hatred and antisemitism cannot be tolerated.", said Abe Hamadeh.

An incident occurred earlier this week at ASU involving rocks being thrown at windows during a student government meeting discussing the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) bill. The "Students for Justice in Palestine" group has repeatedly tried to pass the bill, which aims to have the University cease all support for Israel. The Arizona State University Police Department initiated an investigation following this incident. Similar recent events have made some Jewish students opt for remote learning due to concerns about their safety on campus according to Fox News.

Arizona lawmakers expressed disappointment in ASU last month after the NSJP chapter organized rallies supporting Palestine and favoring Hamas attacks. One event was held at Tempe Beach Park while similar ones took place at other universities including Butler University, University of Louisville, University of Birmingham, and the University of Virginia; all organized by their respective NSJP chapters according to Arizona Daily Independent.

Hamas, an Islamist militant group and designated terrorist organization by several countries, initiated airstrikes on Gaza Strip on Oct 7. Numerous airstrikes targeted parts of Israel, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, resulting in over 10,000 casualties since the conflict began; 31 victims were American citizens with at least 13 still missing, reported ABC News.

"Arizona State University Police Department is investigating last night’s disruption of a USG meeting on the Tempe campus," said ASU President Michael Crow as per a post on platform X. "Let it be clear that ASU will not tolerate acts of intimidation or violence. We are committed to inclusion and respect, and to providing a safe environment for civil dialogue and learning."

"We must continue to condemn the disgusting rise of antisemitism in Arizona," said U.S. Rep. Eli Crane according to platform X. "More must be done to protect Jewish students on campus."